Elderly Man Shoots Two Robbery Suspects

BIG SPRING, TX –  On the evening of Wednesday July 15, 2020 at approximately 8:42 p.m, Deputies with the Howard County Sheriffs Office were dispatched to the 1500 Blk of East Hwy 350 in reference to two subjects being shot.

Upon arrival Deputies made contact with the complainant, a 73-year-old male who advised that he had heard several noises coming from the back of his property.

Shortly after the complainant stated he armed himself with a handgun before he went to investigate the suspicious activity.

Complainant advised that he saw two men, (later identified as 39-year-old Rocky Zarraga and 27-year-old Julian Rodriguez Jr), both from Big Spring removing various auto parts from a vehicle the complainant owned.

The complainant advised that he immediately confronted both suspects at gunpoint and told them to show their hands.

Both suspects rushed toward the complainant and the complainant fired shots at, and hit both suspects out of fear for his life.

One of the suspects initially fled the scene on foot, but was later transported to Scenic Mountain Medical Center by a private vehicle for a gunshot wound.

The second subject was transported by ambulance to Scenic Mountain Medical Center. 

Rocky Zarraga was treated and released from the hospital and currently resides in the Howard County Jail, charged with Aggravated Robbery.

Julian Rodriguez Jr. was airlifted to a Lubbock Hospital and is in Critical Condition.

Investigators with the Howard County Sheriff’s Office are currently investigating this case. 

At this time we have no further information to report.